Morito, Exmouth Market

A couple days ago I decided that it was finally time to eat at Morito, after it'd been on my eating list for a long, long time. Arriving at 7.30, the place was crowded but we managed to get the last seats. Right by the door, which to be honest was a bit annoying, because every other minute a gang of hopeful people would open it and try for a table, and it was a cold night so the draft was not too pleasant. Well well well, wine was cheap so it didn't matter much.

Unfortunately all my photos came out absolutely rubbish - too cramped to photograph really. Or too hungry, who knows...

We started off with jamon and chicken croquetas, salt croquetas (what can I say, I quite like croquetas!), and some butifarra sausage with beans and aioli. The sausage and beans needed a bit more seasoning but were great sprinkled with the dried chilli on the table.

Puntillitas

Then, puntillitas (baby squid), fried and served with lemon. I loved these! Where can I buy baby squid? We ordered some more - pork fillet with jamon and padron peppers (nice, but nothing special), seared venison with piquillo sauce (awesome!), some tomato toast, and two absolutely amazing vegetable dishes on recommendation of the waiter: beetroot borani with feta & walnuts and chickpeas with tomato, chilli & coriander. I really, really loved these, the beetroot dish was bright and beautiful and so fresh.

Morito doesn't take bookings, and was just awarded a Bib Gourmand, which makes it even harder to get a table. I loved the food and the informal setting, but didn't love having nowhere to put my coat (having to sit with it in my lap all night...) and sitting by the drafty door. The tables at the bar looked amazing, next time I'll definitely go earlier and try to snatch a table where I can watch the chefs cook.... All in all Morito is cheap(ish) and cheerful, with superb (if a bit confused at times) service and food - I'll be back.